Former racing driver Danica Patrick faced widespread criticism from motorsport fans after serving as a Fox analyst during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC. Fox brought in Patrick to provide commentary as the street race wound through the roads of the capital city.
Viewers quickly voiced dismay over Patrick's appearance on the broadcast, taking aim at both her analysis and her on-air political commentary. During the event, Patrick praised President Donald Trump, whom she has voted for in the past, for helping bring the race to fruition.
Speaking on the broadcast, Patrick commended Fox CEO Eric Shanks and Penske Corporation President Bud Denker alongside government leadership. "Between the vision of Eric Shanks and Bud Denker, with the help of, of course, Secretary Duffy and President Donald Trump with that executive order, I think it really embodies what it is to live in America, land of the free, and anything is possible," she stated.
"That this race was gone from concept to reality as quickly as it was, and as well as it's been done, I think that is the perfect embodiment and celebration of 250 years of this country," Patrick added, referencing Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the executive order issued by President Trump.
Social Media Backlash
Motorsport spectators responded on social media with immediate disapproval of Patrick's non-racing remarks. Viewers noted that Patrick has previously faced recurring criticism from fans for her commentary across NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One events.
One user on X wrote that watching Patrick and the broadcast team praise the president was "nauseating." Another viewer questioned the network selection for the event, writing, "Of course @IndyCarOnFOX brings out the small guns (Chris Myers and Danica Patrick) today."
A third comment expressed frustration with the broadcast team, stating, "Oh boy, that idiot Danica Patrick and the others are going to make this unwatchable." Other viewers argued that alternative racing figures should have received the commentary role, with one posting, "Nothing worse about an Indy Car broadcast than hearing Danica Patrick. So many more well accomplished, deserving drivers with higher accolades, and this is who they chose to fill in that slot."
Broadcaster Criticism and Political Remarks
Additional posts targeted Patrick's outside media ventures and political commentary. One user wrote, "Danica Patrick on TV showing a lack of understanding about American history while she does a podcast where she discusses right wing conspiracy theories. Absolute f***ing clown and a joke on the international motorsports community."
Another social media post referenced White House staffer Natalie Harp, writing, "Can someone tell @DanicaPatrick that the role of side chick for @POTUS is already filled. This race just feels dirty and corrupt." Another viewer compared Patrick to other sports broadcasters, posting, "I'm a girls girl and I hate Pat McAfee, but good lawd does Danica Patrick give that man a run for his money as worst sports commentator ever."
Background on Danica Patrick and IndyCar
Patrick is one of the most prominent figures in American motorsport history. She became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race when she took victory at the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. Over her career, she competed in both the NTT IndyCar Series and the NASCAR Cup Series before retiring from full-time racing in 2018. Since her retirement, she has regularly served as an analyst for major television networks covering American open-wheel racing and international Formula One events.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was organized as a marquee street race in the capital to celebrate 250 years of American independence. The NTT IndyCar Series, managed under the leadership of Penske Corporation President Bud Denker and owner Roger Penske, represents the premier level of open-wheel racing in North America, featuring a mix of temporary street circuits, permanent road courses, and oval tracks.
